1997 NASCAR Cup Series Season Recap

Originally published on Apr. 17, 2020

By Zane Miller

On Sunday, November 16th, 1997, the 1997 NASCAR Cup Series season concluded with Jeff Gordon defeating Dale Jarrett by 14 points to win the 48th championship in Cup Series history. It was the second Cup Series championship for Gordon. These are the top five points finishers for the season.

The 1997 Daytona 500 was also won by Jeff Gordon, while Mark Martin led the most laps with 52. It was the first of Gordon’s three Daytona 500 wins.

5. #3 Dale Earnhardt (-494 points)

Earnhardt took fifth as he had seven top-fives and 16 top-10s for an average finish of 12.1, while leading the most laps in one race.

4. #99 Jeff Burton (-425)

Burton claimed fourth in points, getting three wins, 13 top-fives and 18 top-10s to earn an average finish of 12.4. Burton led the most laps in two races.

3. #6 Mark Martin (-29)

Martin scored third with four victories, 16 top-fives and 24 top-10s for an average finish of 9.0, while leading the most laps in four starts.

2. #88 Dale Jarrett (-14)

Jarrett got the runner-up spot with seven victories, 20 top-fives and 23 top-10s, taking an average finish of 9.6 while leading the most laps in seven races.

1. #24 Jeff Gordon

Gordon got the championship as he had 10 wins, 22 top-fives and 23 top-10s for an average finish of 9.6. Gordon also led the most laps in four races during the season.

Race Winners (left) & Lap Leaders (right)

 

*Denotes driver led every lap

Link to stats database: https://www.racing-reference.info/yeardet/1997/W